Around NY State 
Governor Hochul Launches “Trailblazers in Business” Certification Initiative and Business Growth Accelerator to Strengthen New York MWBEs During Black History Month Governor Kathy Hochul has announced two new initiatives aimed at strengthening New York State’s Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) community, particularly during Black History Month. The “Trailblazers in Business” Certification Initiative and the MWBE Business Growth Accelerator 3.0 Program aim to increase opportunities for MWBEs across the state. The Certification Initiative, running through February 28, 2025, provides free support to help MWBEs complete their state certification applications. Meanwhile, the Business Growth Accelerator Program offers technical assistance and business development training to certified MWBEs in the construction and semiconductor industries to help them secure high-value contracts. These initiatives build on New York’s ongoing efforts to streamline MWBE certification and expand economic opportunities for underrepresented businesses. Read more about the program here. Pre-Seed and Seed Matching Fund Program The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is providing $30 million for the Pre-seed and Seed Matching Fund Program (“Program”) to support high-growth start-up companies at the earliest stages of their growth and development. Read more about the program here. New York State Innovation Venture Capital Fund The state has devoted $100 million – with an additional $35 million of SSBCI funding – to the New York State Innovation Venture Capital Fund, a direct investment fund for Seed through Series B technology companies across New York State. Read more about the program here. Community and Regional Partner Fund The Community and Regional Partner Fund, with $52 million in SSBCI funding, will provide up to $5 million in matching funds to accelerators, venture studios, and/or incubators providing structured programmatic support to New York State entrepreneurs with high growth potential. Read more about the fund here. CNYBAC Medical Device Innovation Challenge The CNY Biotech Accelerator (CNYBAC) is now accepting applications for its 2025 Medical Device Innovation Challenge (MDIC), supported by a NYS Empire State Development grant. This marks the 9th year of the program, which has graduated 42 innovation teams. Up to five teams will be selected to receive mentorship, commercialization education, and access to resources like I-Corps regional courses, university engineering programs, and manufacturing support. Additionally, selected teams will receive commercialization research from The Innovation Law Center at Syracuse University. Applications are due by March 15, 2025. Read more about the program here. Empire State Development Announces Application Window Open For Round Nine Of Genius NY Accelerator Empire State Development (ESD) announced that the GENIUS NY program is now accepting applications for its ninth round. GENIUS NY, the world’s largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), will invest over $3 million in five finalist companies, including a $1 million grand prize. The program, which requires participants to operate in Central New York for at least one year, is part of the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative. Finalists will have access to a newly renovated innovation hub in Syracuse, offering resources and mentorship to help startups scale. Applications are open through May 28, 2025, and the selected teams will begin in-person programming in August 2025. Since its inception, GENIUS NY has attracted 42 startups and invested nearly $24 million, contributing to Central New York’s growing UAS industry. Read more about the program here. | 
